somewhat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to slightly formal. Common in written and spoken English; can sound slightly formal or cautious in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “somewhat” mean?
To a moderate degree or extent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To a moderate degree or extent; a little; rather.
Used to soften statements, making them less direct or absolute; can indicate a degree of uncertainty or approximation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both varieties. Slightly more common in American English in formal writing.
Connotations
In both, it conveys a measured, cautious, or understated tone. Can sometimes imply reluctant admission.
Frequency
High frequency in both written and spoken corpora, with a slight preference in academic and formal American English.
Grammar
How to Use “somewhat” in a Sentence
[be/look/seem/feel] + somewhat + ADJECTIVE[find/consider/regard] + something + as + somewhat + ADJECTIVEsomewhat + of + a + NOUN (informal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “somewhat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This situation somewhat alters our plans.
American English
- The new evidence somewhat changes the case.
adverb
British English
- The film was somewhat longer than I expected.
American English
- His response was somewhat unclear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to soften criticism or describe moderate changes: 'The results were somewhat disappointing.'
Academic
Common for hedging claims and expressing measured degrees: 'The data is somewhat consistent with the hypothesis.'
Everyday
Used to express mild degrees: 'I'm feeling somewhat tired today.'
Technical
Used to indicate approximate or non-absolute states: 'The process is somewhat inefficient.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “somewhat”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “somewhat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “somewhat”
- Using 'somewhat' with non-gradable adjectives (e.g., 'somewhat perfect', 'somewhat dead').
- Placing 'somewhat' at the end of a sentence (e.g., 'It is difficult somewhat.') - it usually precedes the adjective/adverb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though less common. E.g., 'Somewhat surprisingly, he agreed.'
It is neutral but often used in writing and formal speech to sound measured. In very casual speech, 'a bit' or 'kind of' might be more common.
They are often interchangeable, but 'somewhat' can sound slightly more formal or precise. 'A little' is more common in casual conversation.
Yes, but less commonly. It usually modifies adjectives or other adverbs. With verbs, it often precedes them directly (e.g., 'I somewhat agree').
To a moderate degree or extent.
Somewhat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌmwɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌmwʌt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “somewhat of a (something) - e.g., He's somewhat of an expert on the subject.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SOME + WHAT = a certain amount of what? A certain, moderate amount.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEGREE AS QUANTITY (a portion/amount of a quality).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'somewhat' correctly?